Knife-wielding man arrested at Blountville gas station

Staff report
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Dec 31, 2018 at 11:14 AM

BLOUNTVILLE — A suspicious man was arrested Sunday at a convenience store in Blountville, where police say he winked at a clerk while wiping the blade of a knife, then entered an office that is only for staff.

The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. at the Scotchman, located at 3686 Highway 126. A press release from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office identifies the suspect as Robert William Ford, 42, of Bloomingdale Pike in Kingsport.

After pumping gas, Ford allegedly entered the store with a knife in his hand. While standing in line he reportedly wiped the blade while smiling and winked at the clerk, placing the clerk in fear.

Police say Ford then entered the store's office, which was marked "employees only." After exiting that area he wandered around the store, and the clerk called police. Responding deputies found Ford back in line with two folding knives in his possession.

Ford was arrested without incident and charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespassing. He was then booked into the Sullivan County jail in Blountville.